Iowa State University Chinese students raise thousands for earthquake relief

AMES, Iowa -- In a matter of hours, the Iowa State University Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) raised nearly $15,000 for earthquake victims in their home country. The money is being sent to the Red Cross of China.

A total of $14,856 in cash was raised during lunch-hour collections on the ISU campus, May 14-16 and May 22, and at a charity sale at the 2008 Asian Fest in Des Moines on May 17. During one 30-minute collection period, the group raised $4,630.

The money will be used by the Red Cross Society of China for "tents, quilts and other materials for the earthquake-affected area," Jin said.

Jin doesn't know the exact number of ISU students from Sichuan Province, where the powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake occurred on May 12. However, he estimates there could be as many as 50 from the province, which is China's most heavily populated.

"I have not heard anyone say their family was directly affected by the earthquake," he said.

During the spring semester that ended May 9, there were 1,016 Chinese students, faculty, staff, scholars and post doctoral researchers at ISU.

The CSSA still accepts donations for earthquake relief. Checks payable to CSSA can be sent to the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, West Student Space, Memorial Union, Ames, IA 50010.

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Quick look

A total of $14,856 in cash was raised during lunch-hour collections on the ISU campus by the Chinese Student and Scholar Association for earthquake relief in China. Donations are still being accepted. Checks payable to CSSA can be sent to the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, West Student Space, Memorial Union, Ames, IA 50010.